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REFERENCE

vinyl

n. · adj.
US //ˈvaɪnəɫ// UK //vˈaɪnɪl// vinyl
  1. 1 plastic material (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a strong, flexible plastic used to make things like floors, car seats, and waterproof clothes.

    a tough, flexible synthetic plastic, typically polyvinyl chloride, used for floor coverings and upholstery.

    Example

    The kitchen floor is covered in easy-to-clean grey vinyl.

    Example

    The designer specified high-grade vinyl for the restaurant booths to ensure the surfaces could withstand heavy daily use and frequent cleaning.

  2. 2 music records (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    records that play music, or the format of music on these records.

    phonograph records as a collective medium or a specific disc made of this material.

    Example

    He prefers listening to vinyl because he thinks the sound is warmer.

    Example

    Despite the convenience of streaming services, many collectors still invest heavily in vinyl for its tactile quality and superior cover art.

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  1. 3 chemical radical (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a specific group of atoms used to create various chemical compounds.

    the univalent radical CH2=CH− derived from ethylene, serving as a precursor to various polymers.

    Example

    The chemist explained how the vinyl group reacts to form long chains.

    Example

    The polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomers results in the formation of the widely used plastic known as PVC.

  2. 4 made of vinyl (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes something made from this type of plastic.

    composed of or pertaining to vinyl or polyvinyl chloride.

    Example

    She wore a black vinyl jacket that kept her dry in the rain.

    Example

    The vintage car featured original vinyl upholstery that had been remarkably well-preserved by the previous owner.

Origin

From Latin vīnum (“wine”) + -yl. Derived from Latin vīnum because ethyl alcohol is the ordinary alcohol present in wine.

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